Leadership Challenge Keynotes

Morning Keynote Speaker

Jearlyn Steele is a media personality, performing artist and advocate for women. A native of Indiana, Jearlyn Steele’s voice can be heard on various movie soundtracks as well as national and local commercials. Just returning from Scotland, Jearlyn, along with her siblings, The Steeles, performed in the pop/gospel musical “Gospel at Colonus” which has presented on the stages of Carnegie Hall, the Guthrie, and the Ordway.

Currently the entertainment reporter for TPT’s Almanac, she is also a frequent guest on the prestigious radio broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion. As host of WCCO Radio 830AM show, Steele Talkin’, airing Sunday night’s, Jearlyn can be heard in 30 states and most of Canada. On May 14, 2011, she finally accomplished a lifelong goal; graduating from Concordia University St. Paul with a degree in Organizational Management and Leadership.

The mother of two, Jearlyn has branched out to become more involved in creating ways to positively affect women and children’s lives through music and public speaking.

Closing Keynote Interview

Divisional Vice President, Mission Advancement, Thrivent Financial Nikki Sorum leads the Midwest Division of Thrivent Financial, which includes approximately 750 financial representatives across 7 regional financial offices, as well as the Financial Advice Center, Thrivent’s direct sales channel. Nikki joined Thrivent in 2002 and has worked in a variety of roles including strategic planning, marketing and investment products, as well as sales.

Prior to joining Thrivent Financial, Nikki served as Senior Vice President for RBC Dain Rauscher and spent eight years as a consultant and partner with McKinsey & Co., working with financial institutions. Nikki is active in the community and currently serves on the boards of the Minneapolis YWCA, The American College and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

A native of Pelican Rapids, MN, Nikki received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis in 1983. In 1987, she earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. She is married to Simon Foster, and they have three children.

Closing Keynote Moderator

She’s the Personal Brand Columnist for Twin Cities Business magazine and is frequently asked to contribute to media around the country about powerful communication and executive presence. During the NFL scandal and controversy in Ferguson, Missouri, Roshini was asked to give commentary to more than twenty-five radio, print, and TV outlets across the US.

For complimentary powerful communication content, to read past personal brand columns, and to listen to podcasts of past radio shows, check out www.CommunicateThatBook.com.